Mayaya is a bilingual Nova Scotian artist known for her genre-blending sound that transcends traditional musical boundaries and invites listeners into deep emotional worlds. With Haitian and Québécois roots, she infuses her music with rich cultural influences that shape her distinctive artistic voice. A recipient of the ANSMA Rising Star Award, she has also been awarded the African Nova Scotian Artist Export Development Grant and received support from FéCANE’s Stella artistic training and professional development program. She is currently nominated for two East Coast Music Awards for African Canadian Artist of the Year and R&B Single of the Year for her song Tha Vodou.
A singer-songwriter and performer, Mayaya creates deeply personal music that explores identity, vulnerability, and lived experience with honesty and emotional lyricism. Drawing inspiration from hip-hop, pop, rnb, and electronic music, she’s often described as a musical alchemist whose innovative and experimental style defies easy categorization.
Beyond songwriting, Mayaya is actively involved in the production of most of her music, including beat-making and instrumental creation. This hands-on approach ensures that every element aligns with her artistic vision, allowing her to seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary sounds while offering a compelling and authentic presence within today’s music landscape.
Name:
Mayaya
Genre:
Pop, Hip Hop, Rob, Edm, Experimental
Founded:
2023
# of Albums:
3
Latest Album:
La Sirène
Latest Single:
La Sirène
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Phil Collins, I had listened to him on my dads cd player on repeat as a little girl with the Tarzan soundtrack.
Favourite musician now:
I change artists frequently based on the mood. Though for now, I recently went on a deep dive of Hemlocke Springs. Her song Enknee1 is my most-played song this year by far. I just love her.
Guilty pleasure song:
Hot Shower By Chance The Rapper. I don’t care- it is so fun to rap along to that song. It always puts me in a fun mood.
Live show ritual:
I find tea at any cost. I have a GIANT bottle of water. I listen to voice memos of my vocal coach, Janice Jackson, getting me in the zone and doing warmups. I find a dark corner in the venue-avoid eye contact, there’s this thing where people want to talk to you in a loud venue right before you go on stage- but the room is so loud! If you try to talk to people right before hand, you’re screaming and wearing out your voice before you hit the stage- so I politely pull up my notes app when people approach me and say I’ll talk to them after the show to save my voice. I look very silly. sitting in the darkest shadows of the venue, humming to myself. But it’s whatever it takes to assure a good show, and everyone gets their money’s worth! And overall, I remember to have fun, because why not?
Favourite local musician:
This is really hard because locally we actually have so many powerhouse artists that I believe people should be filling venues to see. Halifax specifically has hidden gems that will blow your mind if you hear them. That being said, Kayo keeps showing up on my playlist and with good reason. Right now, I have to lean on him. BUT need to mention there’s a producer named Acalus on multiple of my favourite local tracks I keep on repeat. I’m a fan.
EP or LP?
Ep’s are short and sweet and can have your full attention, but I find they always leave me wanting more. LP, however, I can take a whole session with. Nothing beats putting an LP and painting or working on stuff and just giving an artist some committed time in your day. Lp’s always guarantee the growth of my playlist. LP all the way.
Early bird or night owl?
I’m a night owl. I have tried so hard to be an early bird, but I can’t do it. I like the night, I become hyper creative when the moon is up, and I strangely sleep better when the sun comes out. Nothing beats an all-nighter in my room, making new music. I have released some songs that way, Ladybug being one of them.
Road or studio?
Being on the road and connecting with fans is super fun. But the studio is where my heart goes to stay. There’s nothing like dimming the lights and getting lost in a track.
Any shows or albums coming up?
My EP, La Sirène, is right around the corner! I am so excited. It sounds very mysterious and ethereal, and that’s the way I wanted it to be. A lot of people love when I sing and rap in French, so this was for them.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Linktree
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Simply Asian in Dartmouth. The owners are very sweet, and that Gochujang sauce is TOOO GOOD. I love their tofu bowl. I was surprised to find out it was more flavourful than chicken.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Lower Water Street. If you don’t understand why, you haven’t been there. I love the smell of the ocean and the life all around the waterfront. There’s a lot of nice stores, I love going to Strange Adventures, grabbing a comic, and going to YuYo’s crafts and Tea’s for a delicious drink and anything I need to jot down ideas.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
I love point pleasant park. I grew up going to see Shakespeare by the Sea there every summer. I love watching the boats sail by from the trees. I just find it beautiful. It’s the spot for me.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The seahorse! I will always love the seahorse! Maybe it’s the aquarium and nautical theme that I like and find so Nova Scotian- but the sound there is ALWAYS good, and the staff are superb. Also, killer lighting. I will always love the seahorse.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
It’s basic for me, but Long & McQuade. The guys there are always so cool and knowledgeable. I started music not knowing a thing about what I was doing, they helped me find the right microphones and systems to start out secretly in my room, no judgment whatsoever and completely in tune with my budget. I wouldn’t have come so far without their help and good energy.
